Two Derrymore teams travelled to Clan na Gael yesterday to participate in a tournament involving 22 other teams.
With two wins out of 4 matches in their group, the B team finished 4th in their section and were through to the Danske Bank. In a spirited display against a much more physical Maghery team, their involvement ended after a narrow defeat in the semi-final.
But it was the A team which, despite the weather, shone on the day. They finished second in their group having lost only one match to Tannaghmore, who would go on to win the Fearghal McConville Cup. This left them with a semi-final match against St Francis’ B side. Derrymore came out on top in a gripping match and with only a few minutes of a break, lined out in the final against a hotly fancied St Brendan’s A team.
Despite playing the better football in worsening conditions, Derrymore failed to make the most of their first half wind advantage and trailed by a point. Stern words at halftime from Kieran fired up an unbelievable second half performance, with Derrymore hitting the back of the net 3 times to stun their opponents. The final whistle signalled great scenes of jubilation from players and our army of supporters alike.
Edward and Cillian lifted the coveted St Ronan’s Shield to further cheers and celebrations from soaked and weary players.
Our season ends with our footballers claiming two cups and a shield; a remarkable achievement for such a small school!
